Toms River, NJ, October 8, 2026 – Community Medical Center (CMC) has earned bronze level recognition in 2026 from the American Medical Association (AMA) as a Joy in Medicine® organization. CMC joins fellow RWJBarnabas Health facility Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch, in being named to the 2026-2027 list of Bronze-level hospitals and sister hospitals Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center’ Livingston, and Robert Wood Johnon University Hospital, New Brunswick, who currently hold the Bronze level status.
The prestigious recognition from the country’s leading physician association honors health systems, hospitals, and medical groups that prioritize proven methods to reduce burnout and enhance the professional fulfillment of doctors that comes from patient care. Organizations that meet the rigorous criteria of the Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program are leaders in the national effort to transform health care work systems and address the root causes of burnout among care teams.
“As an RWJBarnabas Health facility, we are committed to our system’s vision to provide patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine while delivering a best-in-class work experience,” said CMC Chief Medical Officer Gerardo Chiricolo, MD, FACEP. “At Community Medical Center, we strive to foster a strong culture of physician well-being through intentional programs that celebrate connection, support balance, and reinforce a sense of belonging within our medical staff.”
Among the internal programs that help to create a well-being culture at CMC are signature events for physicians including an annual dinner dance and golf outing. Additionally, the RWJBarnabas Health Gala is an event that strengthens collegial relationships between physicians throughout the system and provides meaningful opportunities for social engagement outside the clinical environment. To support daily wellness, the hospital provides complimentary breakfasts and lunches, ensuring physicians have reliable access to meals during demanding schedules.
Burnout rates continue to decline, yet U.S. physicians remain at higher risk for burnout relative to other U.S. workers. Systemic drivers like administrative burden, staffing shortages and stigma around mental health continue to plague the physician experience and contribute to the day-to-day stressors facing physicians today. Continued efforts are essential to ensure doctors receive the support they need to thrive and achieve national health goals.
“Supporting physician well-being helps create better care for everyone,” said AMA President Willie Underwood III, MD, MSc, MPH. “Studies show that when physicians are supported, patients benefit from safer care, higher quality, and a better overall experience. Organizations recognized by the Joy in Medicine Program are leading the way by investing in workplaces that support physicians and help them deliver compassionate, high-quality care. The AMA is proud to honor these leaders for their commitment to physician well-being and healthier communities.”Since its inception in 2019, the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program has recognized more than 250 organizations across the country. Recognition levels are valid for two years. This year, a total of 92 health organizations nationwide earned recognition with documented efforts to reduce system-level drivers of work-related burnout and demonstrated competencies in commitment, assessment, leadership, efficiency of practice environment, teamwork, and support. Organizations that earned 2026-2027 recognitionjoin a strong group of currently recognized organizations from the 2025-2026 program, bringing the currently recognized cohort to 194 recognized organizations.
Learn more about the AMA Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program at ama-assn.org/joyinmedicine.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org
Contact: Robert Cavanaugh
Robert.Cavanaugh@rwjbh.org